Sensory Capabilities Research Articles

Total and Free Zinc Dynamics as Biomarkers for Neurological Impairment in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Background/Objectives: Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) profoundly impacts patients by precipitating a loss of motor and sensory capabilities, largely due to oxidative stress and inflammation during the secondary injury phase. Methods:This investigation explores the diagnostic potential of zinc (Zn) and free zinc (fZn) as biomarkers by analyzing their serum concentration dynamics in 48 TSCI individuals with TSCI, with the aim of correlating these levels with neurological impairment. Serum samples collected at admission, 4 h, 9 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 3 days post-injury were analyzed for total serum Zn and fZn concentrations. The patients were compared to a control group comprised of individuals with vertebral fractures but no neurological deficits. Results:The study revealed injury-specific fluctuations in Zn and fZn levels following TSCI, with significantly lower Zn levels observed post-TSCI compared to controls (p = 0.016). The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment scale (AIS) assessments at admission and three months post-injury showed Zn level differences are linked to neurological recovery (AIS+:1 > AIS+:2, 0 h: p = 0.008; AIS+:0 < AIS+:1, 4 h: p = 0.016), highlighting the critical role of Zn and trace elements in the early remission process after TSCI. Notably, significant differences in fZn levels were detected between the control and TSCI groups (TSCI < Control; 12 h: p = 0.045; 24 h: p = 0.001; 3 d: p = 0.016), with the peak diagnostic performance of fZn at 24 h post-injury, as indicated by an Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) of 83.84% (CI: 0.698–0.978). Conclusions:These findings underscore the potential of fZn as a biomarker to guide early diagnostic and therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating secondary injury and enhancing recovery outcomes. This study contributes insights into the dynamics of serum Zn and its importance, holding specific diagnostic properties that could be critically relevant in the early phase of biomarker signature development for TSCI diagnostics and prognosis.

User-Centered Design of Neuroprosthetics: Advancements and Limitations.

Neurological conditions resulting from severe spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and other traumatic incidents often lead to the loss of essential bodily functions, including sensory and motor capabilities. Traditional prosthetic devices, though standard, have limitations in delivering the required dexterity and functionality. The advent of neuroprosthetics marks a paradigm shift, aiming to bridge the gap between prosthetic devices and the human nervous system. This review paper explores the evolution of neuroprosthetics, categorizing devices into sensory and motor neuroprosthetics and emphasizing their significance in addressing specific challenges. The discussion section delves into long-term challenges in clinical practice, encompassing device durability, ethical considerations, and issues of accessibility and affordability. Furthermore, the paper proposes potential solutions with a specific focus on enhancing sensory experiences and the importance of user-friendly interfaces. In conclusion, this paper offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of neuroprosthetics, outlining future research and development directions to guide advancements in the field.

Improving sensory integration in Chinese children with moderate sensory integration challenges through engaging basketball training.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining basketball training with a traditional sensory integration therapy (SIT) vs. a SIT alone in enhancing sensory integration capability among Chinese children diagnosed with mild challenges in sensory integration and sensory processing (CSISP). This study comprised a Control group and an Experimental group, both undergoing a 10-week intervention (4 sessions/week, 45 min/session). The Control group exclusively participated in traditional SIT for all sessions. In contrast, the Experimental group engaged in traditional SIT for two sessions per week and Basketball training for the remaining two sessions weekly. Three sensory integration measures (vestibular sensation, tactile perception, proprioception) and five gross motor performance measures (balance beam walking speed, single-leg standing with eyes closed, tennis ball throw, two-legged jump speed, 10-m shuttle run) were assessed before and after the 10-week training period. Separate 2 (Group) × 2 (Test Phases) Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures on the second factor were conducted for each measure. Interaction effects were further explored using Tukey's HSD test to clarify their nature. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in all sensory integration and gross motor performance measures following the 10-week training sessions (p < 0.001). Importantly, the group receiving the combination of basketball training and traditional SIT significantly outperformed the group undergoing SIT alone in all assessed areas. These results indicate that combining basketball training with traditional SIT enhances sensory integration capabilities more effectively among Chinese children aged 4-6 years with moderate CSISP compared to utilizing SIT alone.

Rhythm is essential: Unraveling the relation between the circadian clock and cancer.

Physiological processes such as the sleep-wake cycle, metabolism, hormone secretion, neurotransmitter release, sensory capabilities, and a variety of behaviors, including sleep, are controlled by a circadian rhythm adapted to 24-hour day-night periodicity. Disruption of circadian rhythm may lead to the risks of numerous diseases, including cancers. Several epidemiological and clinical data reveal a connection between the disruption of circadian rhythms and cancer. On the contrary, oncogenic processes may suppress the homeostatic balance imposed by the circadian clock. The integration of circadian biology into cancer research offers new options for making cancer treatment more effective, and the pharmacological modulation of core clock genes is a new approach in cancer therapy. This review highlights the role of the circadian clock in tumorigenesis, how clock disruption alters the tumor microenvironment, and discusses how pharmacological modulation of circadian clock genes can lead to new therapeutic options.

I2Bot: an open-source tool for multi-modal and embodied simulation of insect navigation.

Achieving a comprehensive understanding of animal intelligence demands an integrative approach that acknowledges the interplay between an organism's brain, body and environment. Insects, despite their limited computational resources, demonstrate remarkable abilities in navigation. Existing computational models often fall short in faithfully replicating the morphology of real insects and their interactions with the environment, hindering validation and practical application in robotics. To address these gaps, we present I2Bot, a novel simulation tool based on the morphological characteristics of real insects. This tool empowers robotic models with dynamic sensory capabilities, realistic modelling of insect morphology, physical dynamics and sensory capacity. By integrating gait controllers and computational models into I2Bot, we have implemented classical embodied navigation behaviours and revealed some fundamental navigation principles. By open-sourcing I2Bot, we aim to accelerate the understanding of insect intelligence and foster advances in the development of autonomous robotic systems.

Chemotactile perception and associative learning of amino acids in yellowjacket workers.

Learning and memory are fundamental processes, influencing animal foraging behaviour and fitness success. Evaluating food nutritional quality, particularly of proteins and essential amino acids, involves complex sensory mechanisms. While olfactory cues have been extensively studied, less is known about proteinaceous chemoreception, especially in invertebrates. Vespula germanica, a globally invasive social wasp species, relies heavily on foraging efficiency and nutritional assessment for colony success. Previous studies have highlighted their associative learning abilities in natural settings, but their cognitive capabilities under laboratory conditions still need to be explored. We investigated the perceptual and learning abilities of V. germanica concerning amino acids using a maxilla-labium extension response (MaLER) conditioning protocol. We aimed to determine whether these wasps can (1) perceive specific amino acids through antennal chemoreception, (2) perform associative learning with amino acids, (3) discriminate between stimuli of varying molecular and nutritional profiles, and (4) generalize among similar stimuli. Our results suggest that V. germanica can detect free amino acids and exhibit associative learning toward them. They can discriminate between amino acids with different profiles and do not generalize among similar compounds. These findings indicate that V. germanica foragers can qualitatively evaluate amino acid solutions, translating into a natural ability to discern and learn from food sources with varying nutritional qualities. This knowledge could enhance management strategies for this invasive species, which relies on poisoned beef-based baits. Understanding the sensory and cognitive capabilities of V. germanica provides a foundation for developing more effective control methods.

Advancing teleoperation for legged manipulation with wearable motion capture.

The sanctity of human life mandates the replacement of individuals with robotic systems in the execution of hazardous tasks. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), a field fraught with mortal danger, stands at the forefront of this transition. In this study, we explore the potential of robotic telepresence as a safeguard for human operatives, drawing on the robust capabilities demonstrated by legged manipulators in diverse operational contexts. The challenge of autonomy in such precarious domains underscores the advantages of teleoperation-a harmonious blend of human intuition and robotic execution. Herein, we introduce a cost-effective telepresence and teleoperation system employing a legged manipulator, which combines a quadruped robot, an integrated manipulative arm, and RGB-D sensory capabilities. Our innovative approach tackles the intricate challenge of whole-body control for a quadrupedal manipulator. The core of our system is an IMU-based motion capture suit, enabling intuitive teleoperation, augmented by immersive visual telepresence via a VR headset. We have empirically validated our integrated system through rigorous real-world applications, focusing on loco-manipulation tasks that necessitate comprehensive robot control and enhanced visual telepresence for EOD operations.

Quantifying the rise of animals during the Ediacaran–Cambrian using ichnodissimilarity

Abstract The trace fossil record provides important insights into the evolution of early animals during the Ediacaran/Cambrian transition, with changes in ichnodiversity through time and between environments informing on the diversification of major body plans, behaviors, and niches. To quantify variation in the diversity of trace fossils across this critical interval, we propose a measure of trace fossil dissimilarity (ichnodissimilarity) based on vector calculation. Furthermore, by comparing discrepancies between the angular bisector and mean vector of two sets of vectorized fossil data, we are able to weigh the relative contribution of increases and decreases in the variation of occurrences of taxa. We used this metric to analyze an expansive dataset of Ediacaran/Cambrian trace fossils. The results allowed us to quantify the diversification of traces across this transition, informing on the timing of first appearance of different behaviors (e.g., foraging, grazing, and resting) and functional groups. By interpreting the results in the context of environmental changes and advancements in motility and sensory capabilities, we were able to pinpoint the onset and sequence of the Fortunian diversification event, Cambrian information revolution, and agronomic revolution, shedding light on the evolution of organismal body plans, behaviors, and locomotion during the Ediacaran/Cambrian transition. We identified two phases of origination and expansion during the divergence of early animal traces. Furthermore, by analyzing shallow- and deep-marine trace fossils, we were able to uncover evidence for a more rapid diversification of traces in shallow-marine environments, with progressive niche partitioning through the Ediacaran to Cambrian.

Testing the web accessibility of hotel and restaurant complexes

Web accessibility is a necessity enabling people with disabilities to engage in a digital realm regardless of their physical, cognitive, or sensory capabilities. Nowadays, web accessibility assumes significant importance across various domains, including governmental aid, healthcare services, education, cultural activities, sports, and the service sector. Nevertheless, developers and testers often face uncertainty about actions to be taken when addressing accessibility concerns. This article delves into website accessibility matters, outlines key principles for developing accessible web-oriented software, introduces an accessibility testing checklist for web content, conducts both manual and automated testing of the websites of hotel and restaurant complexes, and offers recommendations for enhancing web accessibility levels.

Research on the Exoskeleton Enhancing Human Touch

The integration of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) with exoskeleton systems offers a unique potential to enhance and restore human sensory and motor capabilities. This review delves into both invasive and non-invasive BCI technologies, with a special emphasis on the practical application of electroencephalography (EEG). It critically assess the effectiveness and limitations of EEG in controlling exoskeletons, while providing a detailed comparison of various control methods, including direct neuromuscular stimulation, neurofeedback, and machine learning-based intelligent strategies. Additionally, this review addresses the technical challenges faced by integrated systems, particularly in performing complex tasks and delivering real-time feedback, such as the intricacies of signal decoding, system stability, and user adaptability. The conclusion underscores the importance of future research in enhancing system reliability and accuracy, refining user interfaces, and developing novel algorithms to improve performance and user experience. This review aims to equip researchers in the field with a robust theoretical framework and practical insights, facilitating further advancements in the synergy between BCI and exoskeleton technologies.

Recombinant Fusion Proteins with Embedded Sensing Functions as Versatile Tools for Protocell Development.

Sensory capabilities are crucial for cells to interact with their environment. To mimic these functions in synthetic cells, we developed sensory globular protein vesicles (GPVs) made entirely of recombinant fusion proteins through self-assembly under aqueous conditions. GPVs demonstrate sensory functions via the formation of the FKBP-FRB ternary complex with the signaling molecule, rapamycin. The sensory domain of FKBP or FRB was genetically fused to a fluorescent protein and leucine zipper, which self-assemble into vesicles by forming amphiphilic building blocks through high-affinity binding to a counter leucine zipper fused to an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) above its lower critical solution temperature. We observed intervesicle aggregation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner upon rapamycin binding, confirmed by colocalization studies and statistical analysis. This system enhances our understanding of protein vesicle functionality for sensing and offers a basis for exploring GPVs as models to replicate key cellular processes in synthetic cells.

Impact of Gait-Synchronized Vibrotactile Sensory Feedback on Gait in Lower Limb Amputees

Background: Research on sensory feedback systems for prosthetic devices aims to enhance sensory capabilities to better meet user needs. Feedback systems for lower limb amputees (LLA) have been shown to reduce cognitive efforts, metabolic cost and phantom limb pain. This study evaluated the effect of a non-invasive, gait-synchronized, vibrotactile feedback system (VTFS) on the gait parameters of LLA. Methods: Four stimulators applied vibrotactile stimulation to the thigh of LLA during walking, corresponding to four pressure sensors located at the fore- and hindfoot embedded in a sock worn on the prosthetic foot. Standardized gait tests, such as the Timed “Up and Go” Test (TUG), the Four Square Step Test (FSST), the 10 Meter Walk Test (10 MWT) and the 2 Minute Walk Test (2 MWT), were performed to assess the risk of falling, coordination, walking speed and endurance before and after intervention. Results: After an average of 61.5 days using the VTFS, gait stability (TUG) improved significantly. Coordination (FSST) improved in 36% of subjects, while 45% showed a clinically relevant increase in gait speed (10 MWT). Conclusions: The results suggest an improved gait performance in the cohort. Though FSST lacked statistical significance, a p-value near 0.05 indicates a trend toward meaningful improvement. Notably, the participant with Targeted Sensory Reinnervation demonstrated the most favorable outcomes.

A numerical simulation research on fish adaption behavior based on deep reinforcement learning and fluid–structure coupling: The refuge–predation behaviors of intelligent fish under varying environmental pressure

The study of fish swimming behavior and locomotion mechanisms holds substantial scientific and engineering significance. With the rapid progression of artificial intelligence, the integration of artificial intelligence with high-precision numerical simulation methods presents a novel and highly efficient tool for investigating fish behavior. In this paper, we proposed a fish perception model that more closely reflects natural logic. By introducing the individual vision and partially visibility model, a physics-based visual system that mirrored the sensory capabilities of live fish was developed. Furthermore, through the construction of a flow vision using conventional neural networks, we enhanced the intelligent fish's ability to detect unsteady hydrodynamic parameters via numerical lateral line. The validity of the new model was demonstrated through experiments, which the intelligent fish hunts complex moving targets in unsteady flow. Finally, we applied the model to study the refuge/predation behaviors of coral reef fish under varying unsteady flow pressures. The results indicated that swimming capabilities significantly impact fish survival strategies in high flow velocity, highly unsteady hydrodynamic environments, shaping distinct evolutionary decision-making traits. These insights may help to understand the niche competition mechanisms of fish in different flow conditions.

ECR Spotlight – David Sparks and Edwin Rajeev

ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. David Sparks and Edwin Rajeev are authors on ‘ Swimming kinematics of rainbow trout behind a 3×5 cylinder array: a computationally driven experimental approach to understanding fish locomotion’, published in JEB. David conducted the research described in this article while a master's student in James Liao's lab at the University of Florida, USA. Edwin conducted the research described in this article while a PhD student in Alberto Canestrelli's lab at the University of Florida, USA. David is a Lab Tech in the lab of Freddyson Martinez-Rivera at the University of Florida, USA, investigating cognitive and sensory capabilities of motile, aquatic animals, especially from a comparative or ecological perspective. Edwin is a Project Engineer/Coastal Consultant in the lab of James Liao at the University of Florida, USA, leveraging high-fidelity modelling, computational analysis and biomimicry to design resilient coastal infrastructure, enhance environmental sustainability and drive climate adaptability through nature-based engineering solutions.

Scanning electron microscopy, morphometric and energy dispersive X-Ray analysis of cephalothoracic structures exploring defensive and sensory features in kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus Spence Bate, 1888)

BackgroundKuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) is a commercially important crustacean and a valuable global food source. This study employed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to explore the morphology and morphometric features of the Marsupenaeus japonicus cephalothoracic structures, including antennules, antennas, scaphocerite, rostrums, and eye stalks. The primary focus was on understanding the role of each part, especially through the examination of setae, which are crucial for chemoreception and defense. Additionally, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis was utilized to identify the elemental composition of these structures.Material and methodsThe samples from the heads of fifteen Marsupenaeus japonicus were studied by gross morphology and morphometry, SEM, and EDX analysis. This study is the first to integrate both SEM and EDX techniques for a detailed analysis of these cephalothoracic structures, offering an innovative approach to understanding both morphological and elemental characteristics.ResultsMarsupenaeus japonicus exhibited two antennules and two antennae. The antenna featured four basal segments: basicerite, ischiocerite, merocerite, and carpocerite, each with distinctive articulations and setae distribution. The antennule, with three segments covered by plumose setae, displayed curved cone-shaped flagellae. The scaphocerite, resembling a paddle, showcased plumose setae, while the rostrum exhibited dorsal and ventral spines, lateral grooves, and unique setal arrangements. Setal measurements across structures revealed diverse lengths and widths, indicating functional specialization. The compound eyes were connected to an optic stalk adorned with plumose setae. EDX analysis revealed higher percentages of calcium and phosphorus in the spear-like structures of the scaphocerite, rostrum, and antenna, respectively.ConclusionThis investigation provides a thorough examination of the intricate morphological features of the cephalothoracic region of Marsupenaeus japonicus, shedding light on its sensory and defensive capabilities. The novel application of both SEM and EDX not only deepens our insights into these structures but also lays the groundwork for future studies using this dual approach to explore crustacean morphology, with potential advantages for sustainable aquaculture and the conservation of marine ecosystems.

Whisker-Implanted Biomimetic Electronic Skin for Tactile Sensing and Blind Perception.

Rodent whiskers are a distinct class of tactile sensors that work in conjunction with the biological skin to discern airstreams and obstacles with remarkable sensitivity, facilitating navigation around proximate objects. In this study, a flexible artificial skin is developed comprising sensory active units, including electronic skin (e-skin) and an artificial whisker, inspired by the sensory capabilities of rodent skin and whiskers. As a novel strategy, unique congruent air pockets are introduced within the e-skin to enhance the sensitivity. Mechanical stimuli applied to the artificial whisker are efficiently transmitted to the active e-skin, which generates a sensitive tactile perception response. The developed artificial skin exhibits high sensitivity, a wide sensing range, high flexibility, superior stability, and tensile strength. The artificial whisker facilitates the sensitive detection of a broad range of applied mechanical forces. Therefore, the artificial skin can sense subtle and vigorous tactile stimuli including airstreams and field obstacles. The ability to sense, discriminate, and decipher the airstreams and obstacles imparts outstanding tactile sensing and blind perception characteristics to the artificial skin. This artificial skin is a promising platform for the development of sensitive e-skins suitable for a broad range of applications, such as human-machine interfaces, robotics, and wearable electronics.

Skin-inspired self-powered tactile sensing textile with high resistance to tensile interference

Tactile sensors that can mimic the sensory capabilities of human skin to perceive external static and dynamic pressure without tensile interference are essential in smart wearable electronics. Here, inspired by human skin, we report a highly stretchable and conformable self-powered tactile sensing textile capable of precisely sensing the pressure with no influence of the extension. The tactile sensing textile consists of an elastic fabric substrate and a triboelectric nanogenerator network with specific dimensionally stable triangular cross knots, providing the textile with prominent comprehensive performances (high tactile sensitivity, high stretching-insensitivity, high pressure resolution, long-time stability, and washability) superior to other reported stretching-insensitive tactile sensors. A pressure sensing system is developed based on the tactile sensing textile, which presents wide application for precise pressure detection in smart wearable conditions including athletics and healthcare facilities.

Fight or flight? responses of rodents to predator cues: a review

Rodents are common prey for a wide range of predators, including reptiles, birds, and mammals. Some of the predators (e.g., owls) depend solely on rodents for food, reducing their population significantly. Rodents respond to predators by changing behaviours to protect themselves against the enemies. Further, rodents have evolved advanced sensory capabilities that enable them to detect and effectively respond to predator cues to enhance their chances of survival. If rodents can detect their predators by chemical communication, these compounds can be extracted to repel rodents away from foods in farms and houses. However, the scientific community lacks knowledge of this phenomenon. Thus, we have reviewed the literature to get enough evidence to prove that rodents respond to predators by chemical communication. Our findings demonstrated that rodents react immediately to predatory threats by hiding or sleeping, exhibiting rapid eye movements, grouping, increased alertness, aggression, heightened anxiety, reduced activity, freezing, and avoidance. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to these cues can lead to gene changes and trigger the release of stress hormones such as corticosterone. Stress in rodents can cause hormonal imbalances, leading to decreased reproduction or smaller than normal litters. This knowledge can be used to develop alternative methods for rodent control, which can reduce reliance on poisons and promote eco-friendly and sustainable approaches to managing rodent populations. However, the majority of these ant-predatory responses have only undergone laboratory testing, providing limited field-based information. Therefore, further studies are recommended to investigate ant-predatory responses, especially those involving chemical communication, in real-world environments.

Novel, active, and uncultured hydrocarbon-degrading microbes in the ocean.

Given the vast quantity of oil and gas input to the marine environment annually, hydrocarbon degradation by marine microorganisms is an essential ecosystem service. Linkages between taxonomy and hydrocarbon degradation capabilities are largely based on cultivation studies, leaving a knowledge gap regarding the intrinsic ability of uncultured marine microbes to degrade hydrocarbons. To address this knowledge gap, metagenomic sequence data from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill deep-sea plume was assembled to which metagenomic and metatranscriptomic reads were mapped. Assembly and binning produced new DWH metagenome-assembled genomes that were evaluated along with their close relatives, all of which are from the marine environment (38 total). These analyses revealed globally distributed hydrocarbon-degrading microbes with clade-specific substrate degradation potentials that have not been reported previously. For example, methane oxidation capabilities were identified in all Cycloclasticus. Furthermore, all Bermanella encoded and expressed genes for non-gaseous n-alkane degradation; however, DWH Bermanella encoded alkane hydroxylase, not alkane 1-monooxygenase. All but one previously unrecognized DWH plume member in the SAR324 and UBA11654 have the capacity for aromatic hydrocarbon degradation. In contrast, Colwellia were diverse in the hydrocarbon substrates they could degrade. All clades encoded nutrient acquisition strategies and response to cold temperatures, while sensory and acquisition capabilities were clade specific. These novel insights regarding hydrocarbon degradation by uncultured planktonic microbes provides missing data, allowing for better prediction of the fate of oil and gas when hydrocarbons are input to the ocean, leading to a greater understanding of the ecological consequences to the marine environment.IMPORTANCEMicrobial degradation of hydrocarbons is a critically important process promoting ecosystem health, yet much of what is known about this process is based on physiological experiments with a few hydrocarbon substrates and cultured microbes. Thus, the ability to degrade the diversity of hydrocarbons that comprise oil and gas by microbes in the environment, particularly in the ocean, is not well characterized. Therefore, this study aimed to utilize non-cultivation-based 'omics data to explore novel genomes of uncultured marine microbes involved in degradation of oil and gas. Analyses of newly assembled metagenomic data and previously existing genomes from other marine data sets, with metagenomic and metatranscriptomic read recruitment, revealed globally distributed hydrocarbon-degrading marine microbes with clade-specific substrate degradation potentials that have not been previously reported. This new understanding of oil and gas degradation by uncultured marine microbes suggested that the global ocean harbors a diversity of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, which can act as primary agents regulating ecosystem health.

An Ultrasensitive Programmable 2D Photoelectric Synaptic Transistor

AbstractThe burgeoning advancement of information technology has engendered a discernible surge in the examination of neuromorphic devices, notably drawing broader attention to artificial vision systems endowed with sensory recognition capabilities. Current photoelectric synapse devices employed in artificial vision systems are generally well‐suited for well‐illuminated conditions, yet exhibit diminished sensitivity in weak‐light scenarios, resulting in a pronounced deterioration of recognition accuracy. Here, an ultrasensitive photoelectric synaptic transistor based on negative quantum capacitance effect resulted from the 2D semi‐metallic graphene layer that partially enclosed within the gate dielectric layer, which manifests a noteworthy reduction in device control voltage and exhibits perception and storage capabilities for weak light of 39.4 nW cm−2 with detectivity above 1016 cm Hz1/2 W−1 is demonstrated. The voltage amplification effect and the concomitant formation of an equivalent local electrostatic field induced by the negative quantum capacitance effect engenders a robust programmable synaptic plasticity for extremely weak light by modifying the control gate. These results represent the inaugural integration of the negative quantum capacitance effect into optoelectronic devices and furnish a robust hardware foundation for developing vision systems in weak‐light environments.